Definition: And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 1:4. It's a really important passage about helping rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of chaos. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is urging people to actively help rebuild the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, specifically by offering material goods and resources. It’s saying that everyone within the area should contribute to this effort. Let's unpack each part: “Ezra 1:4” : This refers to a specific event in ancient Judah – the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. “And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth…” : This means everyone who is currently living in Jerusalem, even those who are traveling or visiting, should be encouraged to participate. It's a call for participation from all people within the area. “…let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts…” : This part specifies what they should offer. "Men of his place" refers to the Jewish community in Jerusalem – the people who live there. They’re asking for specific items: Silver: Precious metal, often used for religious ceremonies. Gold: Another precious metal, signifying wealth and importance. Goods: Everything they have - food, clothing, tools, etc. Beasts: This is a bit more figurative – it could mean animals (like livestock) that were valued or used in the Temple’s rituals. “beside the freewill offering for the house of God…” : This is the crucial part. “Freewill offering” means a generous gift, an offering made without expectation of something in return. It's about showing devotion and commitment to God. The "house of God" refers to the Temple itself – the central place of worship. Overall Meaning: The verse is essentially saying that the Jewish community needs everyone’s help to rebuild the Temple. It’s a plea for collective effort, generosity, and devotion to God. It emphasizes that this isn't just about building a temple; it's about demonstrating faith and commitment to returning to their ancestral homeland and worshiping God. In short: The verse encourages everyone living in Jerusalem to contribute resources – material goods – to the rebuilding of the Temple as a sign of their devotion and renewed faith. Do you want me to: Explain any of these terms in more detail? Provide context about why this was important during that time? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or teachings?